Eczema on eyelids can cause itchy, red, swollen and dry eyelid skin. Eyelids don’t have oil glands like most parts of the body so they are an easy target. A major cause of eyelid eczema is allergy. In severe cases, eczema can cause itchy eyelid rash which may need medical attention. We will also discuss some natural eyelid dermatitis treatment.

When treating eczema on skin, it is best to always keep a record of what your skin is reacting to. Check your history with allergens and do your best to figure out what you might have used that caused the irritation. Doctors will also need the information to help them in their prescription in case of severe irritations.

Common eczema symptoms include red rash that is itchy and can appear all over the body. It is more common among babies or Infants than adults. Eczema tends to affect ankles, wrist, neck, eyelid crease, bottom eyelid, under eyes and body joints like the inner elbow and knee. Eyelid eczema can also spread on the skin around the eyes and cause wrinkles with dark circles around the eyes.

Symptoms of eyelid eczema

This are always noticed when eczema is already taking effect on the eyelids and it is advisable to counter the eczema early before it turns to severe acute eyelid dermatitis. Below are some of the symptoms of eczema eyelid;-

Swelling of the eyelids

Itching, stinging or a burning feel on or both eyelids

Rash on eyelids or a round the eyelids that may be itchy, red and sore

Red, Swollen and sometimes Scaly eyelids

Thick eyelids with increased skin markings – lichenification

Flaky skin on the eyelids that may also be characterized by white patches on and around the eyelids

Irritated skin around the eyelids that causes discoloration with a constant urge to scratch

Causes of Eczema on eyelids, under eyes and eyelid rash

Here, we will discuss the causes and triggers of eczema and rash on eyelids and form the most common causes to the complex ones that are related to other conditions. Visiting a dermatologist is important since the cause will determine right eczema treatment that is suitable. Below are some of the causes of eczema on the eyelids: –

1. Irritants

Constant ribbing or scratching of the eyes will definitely make them sore. The skin on the eyelid is never moist so rubbing on it will make it turn red and irritate it especially when you rub with dirty hands. This is also a major cause of eczema in children.

Eczema on eyelids and neck in children should be treated with care since their skin are very delicate. Acids and alkalis may act as irritants which in turn react with the sensitive skin. See a dermatologist in case of severe conditions. Eyelid eczema can also spread on the skin around or under the eye and cause dark circles under the eyes.

2. Weather

Change of climate or extreme humid weather conditions dry or moist may lead to serious dry skin conditions that cause eczema. Naturally the eyelids are not very oily, when there is hot humid air around then, it will definitely make you’re the eyelids sore, itchy and painful with high chances of redness around the eyes.

3. Allergy

Eczema on eyelids is also known as contact dermatitis. This means that the sensitive skin on the eyelids may react to some materials or chemical compounds that come into contact with it or close to it. This reactive substance are also known as allergens.

Allergens that irritate the skin like Dust particles, soaps and detergents or directly touching the eye with dirty hands.

Airborne allergies like plant pollens that might react with some people when in dense plantations

Touching nickel that is contained on metal, coins or belts and clothe fastenings then touching or rubbing the eyes with them may causes reaction leading to eczema.

4. Swimming

Staying for a long time in the pool may be the cause of eczema on your eyelids. Chemicals like chlorine that are used to purify water in some swimming pools may react with the skin resulting to irritation.

In some cases, the water may be too salty. A good example is ocean water. Individuals with sensitive skin are most likely to have irritated eyelids after swimming due to the fact that salty water will definitely drain moisture from the delicate eyelid skin and other parts of the body.

Swimming googles or glasses may also irritate your eyelids and the skin around your eyes when you have them on for a long time and water soaks on the skin around your eyes. In case you have to be in the pool, simple don’t overdo it.

5. Drying agents

Drying agents that contain water repelling molecules (Hydrophobic substances) may dry out the eyes and it is always advisable to read instructions on the containers when using drying substances.

6. Beauty Products

Some beauty products in the line of Makeup and Cosmetics like the eyeliner, eye shadow, mascara sunscreen among others may react on sensitive skin. It is advisable to stop using a new product immediately you realize or have a burning tingling effect on the eyelids

7. Medication

Eye drops may also react with the skin thus causing eczema. It is advisable to consult a doctor before using them some over the counter medication. Individuals that are battling with rash on eyelids and around eyelids should also avoid over the counter medications.

8. Contact lens

Contact lens solutions that are not well treated and cleaned may accumulate bacteria that may eventually infect the eye thus causing eczema. This is possible due to the constant watering of the eye in case the lens is causing infections on the eye by introducing micro bacterial infections. The constant watering will soak on the skin around the eye causing irritation especially on the lower eyelids.

9. Vision prescriptions

Spectacle frames or Eye glasses frames may sometimes react with the areas around the skin in cases of people with sensitive skin. Avoid sharing of sun glasses, blind folds and incase your glasses are causing you to strain or squint, seek your optician’s advice.

10. Constant squinting

Constant squinting while trying to visualize or look at anything will not only cause wrinkles around your eyelids but may also end up irritation them. If you have vision issues, do not form a habit of straining your eyes but rather see an optician near you.

Eczema on Eyelids Natural Remedies and Treatment

The following are popular used steps that can help in easing or treating eczema on the eyelids at home. Some of this irritations on the eyelid skin and areas around it may be mild and should not be alarming. This can be treated with simple home remedies.

1. Aloe Mixture.

Aloe Vera is known for its antiseptic and natural skin cleansing properties. It is gentle on the skin and considered safe for people with sensitive skin. Aloe mixture is one of the best home remedy for eczema on eyelids.

Mince 200g of aloe leaves

Put in a sealed container for twelve days in a refrigerator or a dark place.

Make sure the temperature does not exceed 6 degrees.

After twelve days, take the emulsion and 150g of castor oil.

Add a quarter cup of dry red wine and mix thoroughly.

Put the mixture to a gauze and ensure that the layer is about 1 cm thick.

Clean your eyelids and gently apply the mixture and leave for 15-20 minutes.

2. A mask of Aloe

This is a faster way (compared to step one) to relieve pain and promote healing of eczema on eyelid. Aloe mask will not only relieve the eczema on eyelids but will also help in exfoliation and remove other infections like ringworm, pimples and scars on the eyelids and face in general.

Take one teaspoon of aloe juice

Mix it with one teaspoon of castor oil

Clean the affected area and gently apply the paste.

Let it stay for 20 minutes then gently remove with a very clean and soft napkin

3. Clandine Juice Infusion

Clandine juice infusion is rich in natural alkaloids that are known for their high medicinal properties. It can also be used for removal of eczema on eyelids and for malignant skin disorders.

Prepare ¼ litter of boiling water and pour over one level teaspoon of herbs.

Mix the juice with vodka in a ratio of 1:1.

Leave in a dark and cool place for two days

Clean the affected area.

Soak a cotton ball with the resulting infusion and use to wipe the eyelids.

Repeat this two times a day and before bed for three weeks for great results.

4. Decoction of hops and tickseeds (Bidens).

Hops and tickseeds infusion contain antibacterial properties that respond well to skin care and can be used in removing eczema on eyelids.

Get one teaspoon of tickseeds and hop cones in a clean container.

Add 150ml of boiling water

Decant and strain

Apply the gauze soaked in the decoction on the affected area of the eyelid.

Compress for 15-20 minutes.

Herbalists also encourage taking the warm infusion of hops and tickseeds as a drink once a day before bed or meals is also as a good idea for people with skin problems.

5. Olive Oil

Olive oil is praised for its skin care natural antibacterial properties. It will also help in getting rid of wrinkles and leave you with a soft aligned skin. Olive oil is good for treating eczema on eyelids due to its natural antioxidant components.

Clean the face with warm water

Gently rub the olive oil on the face and leave for some time.

Wipe it off with a clean warm towel

You might also gentry rub olive oil on the affected arrears in case they feel dry.

6. Uncooked oatmeal

Oatmeal’s ability to soak excess sebum and oil off of the skin makes it important and helps in clearing away dirt and other toxins. It also eliminates dead skin cells. This makes it a very effective home remedy for eczema

Take a bowl and add the oatmeal in it.

Clean the face with a clean towel dipped in warm water warm towel.

Dip cotton swabs in the bowl and place over the eyes

Do this at least twice every day.

7. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is reach in antibacterial and anti-fungal properties is good for treating eczema on the eyelids and is also great in curing eczema on children. Vinegar contains detoxifying elements which cleans and detoxify the body resulting to a clean and dry skin.

Put a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar in a jug

Add 3 cups of water and dilute.

Clean the affected area in this case the eyelids and the face in general.

Saturate a cotton ball with the mixture and gently apply on the affected area.

Repeat twice a day, in the morning and evening for greater results.

10. Hydration

Consider increasing water intake. This will help you dehydrating the skin in general. Dehydration is one of the major cause of flaky and dehydrated skin around the eyes and on the eyelids. This promotes eczema around the eyelids.

Try and take at least 8 glasses of water in a day or approximately 1.9-2 liters of water a day. This will help in faster healing at home.

Tips on how to manage and treat eczema on eyelids at home

It is also important to watch out for any distressing symptoms like rashes that are red and extra irritative. When using home remedies and the symptoms keep getting worse, see a qualified doctor near you for proper diagnosis. The eye is a very sensitive and important organ and you do not want to gamble with it.

Keep the eyelid moisturized by applying cocoa butter or almond oil after washing a bath or washing the face. Avoid overstaying in the shower or swimming pools until the contition is well treated.

Stress worsens the eczema conditions so it is advisable to avoid stress during the healing proses. You may aslo consider staying away from alcohol since it will dehydrate you.

Keep away from perfumes and dyes and use mild soaps and shampoos due to the fact that delicate eyelid skin with rushes can really be affected negatively with the irritants that are contained in perfumes, dyes and cosmetics.

Dehydration of delicate skin can easily occur due to hot and dry indoor air thus accelerating the itching and flanking. It is also important to ensure the humidifier’s cleanliness to prevent fungi and bacteria growth.

Vitamin A supplements and foods is also good to for eczema patients due to the fact that Vitamin A is a vital skin vitamin and will help in preventing exacerbation of eczema.

Vitamin E also plays a good role in managing eczema due to its effective elements content and some nuts and seeds daily will help in the eczema healing process.

The sulfur element deficiency in the body and diet worsens eczema thus loads of garlic, onions and eggs in your daily menu witch are full of sulfur will help in reducing eczema episodes.

Moisturizers – Using moisturizers recommended by your doctors, cream or lotion during the day and ointment at night can be of great help because they do not contain perfume, sunscreen or anti-aging ingredients.

Eyelid Eczema Treatment

Allergic contact dermatitis (among a few others) is always confused with eyelid eczema since they have the same symptoms and that makes it important in seeking a professional dermatologist guidance when performing home remedies and medical treatments.

Eyelid Eczema if left untreated can be followed by post-inflammatory pigmentation leading to dark circles under the eyes. Below are some medications that may be recommended by a doctor but do not use them without a doctor’s prescription

1. Mild steroid cream or protopic ointment

This can be applied in small amounts on the eye lids for a few weeks to help in treating eczema on eyelids. Small amounts of this cannot cause glaucoma or any damage to the eye. Protopic ointment is a

2. Ultraviolet light therapy and dove

Ultraviolet light therapy is used in severe eczema cases and involves the use of ultraviolet light. Dove is a non-soap cleanser for sensitive skin care used to clean the areas infected with eczema then a thin coat of petroleum jelly applied to the area. This helps in improving the areas affected with eczema on the eye lids.

3. Hydrocortizone

Creams and lotion – Contains corticosteroid that clears itchy rashes and inflammatory on the skin and can be used with care on the eyelids to remove eczema on the Eyelids. Always remember this, Never administer hydrocortizone or any other skin ointment by your self, let a doctor check the condition and prescribe what you are can to use. If you have to bu over the counter ointments, consult your pharmacist.

4. Dry Eye Gel

It is a very light moisturizing gel containing a plant extract of cardiospermum specifically developed for eczema around the eye. It contains only natural ingredients with no animal products and does not accelerate an existing condition but instead maintains a healthy skin and helps in the healing process. But before use, always consult a professional dermatologist.

5. Tolarine Cleanser

This is a good cleanser to use on the face and eyelid during the treatment of eczema on the eyelids due to its non-irritating nature and it cleans with glycerin and hydrates. The foaming agents in many cleansers is sodium laurel sulfate which irritates any weak skin with rushes and tolarine Cleanser is free from this making it a good cleanser to use during eczema treatment.

6. Sudocream

Most patients that have tried it have had good results in combating eczema on eyelids while using it. Juts apply a thin layer at first and if possible apply more at night. Waking up at night and re-applying is a good idea since it will ensure it doesn’t dry up. Always remember to consult your doctor before use.

7. Fluorometholone ophthalmic Ointment

This medication is normally used to treat eye conditions due to inflammation is good in relieving swelling, redness and itching and is clarified under corticosteroids. This makes Fluorometholone a recommended ointment for treating eyelid eczema.

NOTE: This should be done by qualified dermatologist due to the increased chances of medical reactions due to the fact that some of this ointment and medical procedures can have serious after effects if wrongly prescribed.

How to keep safe from contacting eczema on eyelids

The following simple steps can help in keeping away eczema on the eyelids infections especially for patients with delicate skin.

Avoid vigorous and careless rubbing and scratching of your eyes.

Always touch the eyelids with rinsed clean hands.

Always clean the eyelids with clean plain water or use a cleanser designed for sensitive skin.

Avoid eyelid contact with possible or common allergens

Use medically approved standard cosmetics or make-ups and avoid contrabands. Did you know that Research proves beyond doubt that nail polish is the number one cause of eczema your eyelids/eyelid dermatitis in North America.

Allergic contact dermatitis on the eye lids, under the eye or around the eyes makes the skin itchy, sore, dry, with a stinging or burning feel. This causes a red, scaling thickened patches with increased wrinkles and rash on and around eyelids.

People with sensitive skin are also prone to having not only eczema on eyelids but rash on eyelids and around the eyelids.

Dermatitis remains a major cause of this eyelid skin problems and areas around it. According to mayoclinic, “Contact dermatitis is a red, itchy rash caused by a substance that comes into contact with your skin. The rash isn’t contagious or life-threatening, but it can be very uncomfortable”